The news from Iraq and the surrounding region in recent weeks has been especially discouraging for those of us who served there over the last decade-plus. We at IDVA have been engaging with concerned veterans via email and our social media, responding to specific concerns and issues - mainly about available resources and counseling for those feeling overwhelmed.

Please know that you are not alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the news from Iraq - or any other aspect of your military experience - reach out for help by calling IWAP or the VA's Veterans Crisis Line(800-273-8255).

Your service mattered then, and your well-being matters now. We are here to help!

Sincerely,

Erica Borggren

Director, IDVA

Illinois Joining Forces Offers

Military Immersion Training

Veterans! Do you know of an organization that wants to do more for service members, veterans, and their families?

Those interested should start the registration process by taking the initial screening survey (or copy and paste https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N7MPPYS into a new browser window). Please note that this event is intended NOT for veterans but for individuals who work with organization that serve military members, veterans, and their families - or that want to in the future.

This hands-on training will give participants an interactive and invaluable "boots on the ground" experience and insight on how to better serve our veterans and service members.

There is a $45 registration fee per person attending the training, which will be collected following the online registration. This fee covers the costs of all meals, and boarding (barracks!) will be provided free at the Illinois National Guard training facility. Registration is limited to 100 participants and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

"Lucky" Luckinbill's efforts in the greater Aurora area are well known and appreciated by his fellow veterans, the hundreds youth baseball players he coached for over 14 years, and his fellow Vietnam veterans. Luckinbill championed the efforts to bring the Vietnam Moving Wall exhibit to Aurora in Nov. 2013 and was thanked by the Illinois General Assembly with a Resolution recognizing his efforts, and his service as a fundraiser and trip guarding for 25 Honor Flight trips for veterans to Washington DC. Eva, his wife of 47 years, and their three children and six grandchildren were all present for the ceremony.

Veteran of the Month - July 2014

Robert Krautstrunk

The IDVA will recognizeRobert Krautstrunk as the Illinois Veteran of the Month for July 2014on Friday, July 18, at 1 p.m., at the Silver Stallion Restaurant, 1275 Lee St., Des Plaines, IL 60018. For more information, please contact Victor Enriquez at Victor.Enriquez@illinois.gov or 312.814.7204.